County official wants warning signs along Hudson River dock after downing

By Bob Gardinier

Published 8:27 pm, Thursday, June 6, 2013

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Rensselaer County Legislator Mike Stammel wants new signs to alert people that some areas along the Hudson River are deep, with fast-moving currents. He shows an 8-foot measuring stick that did not touch the bottom of the river from a fishing dock in Rensselaer. (Provided photo) less

Rensselaer County Legislator Mike Stammel wants new signs to alert people that some areas along the Hudson River are deep, with fast-moving currents. He shows an 8-foot measuring stick that did not touch the ... more

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Rensselaer County Legislator Mike Stammel wants new signs to alert people that some areas along the Hudson River are deep, with fast-moving currents. He is shown with an 8-foot measuring stick that did not touch the bottom of the river from a fishing dock in Rensselaer. (Provided photo) less

Rensselaer County Legislator Mike Stammel wants new signs to alert people that some areas along the Hudson River are deep, with fast-moving currents. He is shown with an 8-foot measuring stick that did not ... more

County official wants warning signs along Hudson River dock after downing

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Rensselaer

Warning signs are needed at a city dock on the Hudson River where a man drowned after trying to retrieve a fishing pole, Rensselaer County Legislator Mike Stammel said.

Stammel is asking the state for new signs at the dock, directly across the river from the USS Slater, and at other areas along the Hudson River where water depths and currents make it dangerous to swim.

"New signage could alert fishers and visitors to the depths of the river and the fast-moving currents," Stammel said. "It is a common-sense move and would improve safety on the river."

On May 23, John Dandrow, 25, was fishing off the dock when he dropped his pole in the water. Dandrow tried to retrieve his pole and either accidentally tumbled in or jumped into the river after it, authorities said at the time.

Dandrow's aunt wrote a letter to the city asking for better warning signs.

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"As we begin the services today for my nephew, I ask why did this have to happen?" Susan Reynolds wrote just days after the drowning. "We all know accidents can be prevented."

The only sign currently at the dock warns those fishing there that eating fish from the river could be harmful to the young and pregnant women because of PCB contamination.

Stammel said some anglers and visitors to fishing areas on the river may think there is a shoreline that tapers into deeper water and are unaware that the river in places immediately drops off up to 20 feet.

"The river, especially for someone fully clothed and with shoes or boots on, can be very treacherous," Stammel said.